Method for automated stacking of wood products

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a computer-implemented method for stacking wood products. In some embodiments, the disclosure the steps of designing at least two types of engineered wood products via a software application; producing the at least two types of engineered wood products based on the designs utilizing a saw in conjunction with the software application; designating, via the software application, at least two bins to hold the at least two different types of engineered wood products; selecting a first bin for depositing a first type of engineered wood product; selecting a second bin for depositing a second type of engineered wood product; automatically placing the first type of engineered wood product into the first bin; and automatically placing the second type of engineered wood product into the second bin. The at least two types of engineered wood products are at least two of: panels, I-joists, headers and dimensional lumber.

1. A computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed, cause a computing system to perform a method for sorting engineered wood products, the method comprising the steps of:
 designing at least two types of engineered wood products via a software application; 
 producing the at least two types of engineered wood products based on the designs utilizing a saw in conjunction with the software application; 
 designating, via the software application, at least two bins to hold the at least two different types of engineered wood products; 
 selecting a first bin for depositing a first type of engineered wood product; 
 selecting a second bin for depositing a second type of engineered wood product; 
 automatically placing the first type of engineered wood product into the first bin; and 
 automatically placing the second type of engineered wood product into the second bin; 
 detecting whether the first type of engineered wood product or the second type of engineered wood product is an I-joist; 
 nesting the first type of wood product in the first bin if the first type of wood product is an I-joist; 
 wherein the at least two types of engineered wood products are at least two of: panels, I-joists, headers and dimensional lumber. 
 
     
     
       2. The computer-readable storage medium of  claim 1  wherein the method further comprises the steps of:
 rotating the first type of engineered wood product when it is placed in the first bin; and 
 rotating the second type of engineered wood product when it is placed in the second bin. 
 
     
     
       3. The computer-readable storage medium of  claim 1  wherein the method further comprises the steps of:
 creating a first stack of the first type of engineered wood products in the first bin; and 
 creating a second stack of the second type of engineered wood products in the second bin. 
 
     
     
       4. The computer-readable storage medium of  claim 3  wherein the method further comprises the steps of:
 lowering the first stack of first engineered wood products when a first quota is reached; and 
 lowering the second stack of first engineered wood products when a second quota is reached. 
 
     
     
       5. The computer-readable storage medium of  claim 3  wherein the method further comprises the steps of:
 detecting a first height of the first stack within the first bin; and 
 detecting a second height of the second stack within the second bin. 
 
     
     
       6. The computer-readable storage medium of  claim 3  wherein the method further comprises the step of:
 discharging the first stack from the first bin; and 
 discharging the second stack from the second bin. 
 
     
     
       7. The computer-readable storage medium of  claim 6  wherein the method further comprises the steps of:
 aligning the first type of wood products; and 
 aligning the second type of wood products. 
 
     
     
       8. The computer-readable storage medium of  claim 1  wherein the method further comprises the steps of:
 selecting a third bin for depositing a third type of engineered wood product; and 
 automatically placing the third type of engineered wood product into the third bin. 
 
     
     
       9. The computer-readable storage medium of  claim 1  wherein the method further comprises the steps of:
 selecting a fourth bin for depositing a fourth type of engineered wood product; and 
 automatically placing the fourth type of engineered wood product into the fourth bin.